Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile Travel Guide

The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a landmark in Mobile, Alabama, embodying the city's rich history and the Catholic community's enduring faith. The cornerstone was laid in 1835, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1850. Bishop Martin John Spalding described the edifice as almost worthy of God.Subsequent generations contributed to the cathedral's completion, adapting to circumstances such as the 1954 fire that could have destroyed the structure. The classic portico and cast-iron fence were added after the Civil War. Towers and steeples were completed under Bishop Jeremiah O'Sullivan, and the magnificent stained-glass windows from Franz Myer's studios in Munich were installed under Bishop Edward P. Allen. On the occasion of the Diocese's centenary in 1929, Bishop Thomas J. Toolen replaced the original sanctuary and marble aisles. A crypt for the burial of bishops was added in 1962. Bishop John L. May oversaw liturgical changes and cooperated with the City of Mobile in making Cathedral Square a reality.The cathedral stands as the most imposing church edifice in the state. Restoration projects, most recently from 2001 through 2004, and the restoration of the main stained-glass windows, ensure the structural and spiritual integrity of the Cathedral. The first Catholic Parish on the Gulf coast was established at Mobile in 1703. In 1781, during Mobile's Spanish period, the parish received its present title, “Church of the Immaculate Conception”.